Competition between cultural
Authoritarianism on the one hand and cooperation with team play on the other -- moderated by intelligence. Dictatorship vs. democracy in effect, not to mention the moderates in between trying to keep the peace, or the government functioning in our times.

In particular, see
"The Lucifer Effect" for an extended rendition of the power of the
Authoritarian Personality in creating Systems that corrupt otherwise normal personalities. Systems are really social situations (military, prison, day job, church, sports competition, government), but they have surprising power to corrupt and subvert otherwise good characters.

The same source material (The Lucifer Effect) also provides practical advice as to how to avoid falling prey to "evil" systems. Zimbardo suggests ten specific steps. He suggests we practice the following, paraphrasing:

Admit mistakes: This is not only honorable, it disarms others, fosters dialogue.

Be mindful: The devil is in the details, so avoid habitual responses as if on autopilot. Each situation has its own peculiarities. Deal with them as realities.

Be responsible: This puts us in the driver's seat morally, encourages others to behave likewise.

Be the best we can be: Assert our individuality, recognize and resist deindividuation. Be open an politely clear and assertive but open and receptive while insisting others act the same way, Dialogue can work wonders.

Respect authority, resist unjust authority: Especially resist those who insist on blind obedience without having sufficient substance. This can be difficult for those naive about human personality.

Value individual independence, earn group acceptance: Avoid obsessing over group acceptance. Find other groups for ego support if one group is unacceptable. Change jobs or any other situation or relationship if/as necessary.

Be "frame vigilant": This basically amounts to recognizing propaganda. The defining term is often the only clue. "No Child Left Behind" sounds desirable. But it didn't work out that way, many states saw its flaws and never implemented it.

Balance time perspective (Maintain perspective.): This one recognizes we can each get "carried away." Without the brakes from a strong Internal Locus Control or from prior experience and awareness of what the future may hold, we may act and react emotionally to the momentary situation. This was a primary problem at Abu Ghraib. Some people went along with behavior they thought better of later.

Avoid the illusion of security (or insecurity): This illusion can rob us of our civil rights, our constitutional rights, our right to self determination. Sociopathic politicians play up fear as a wedge to gain power and even lead their followers into needless, self draining wars.

Oppose unjust (and closed) systems: To do otherwise is to invite troubles; Abu Ghraib is one example. Our financial crisis is another recent example. Given our authoritarian dispositions and general naivety in recognizing our own all-too-human traits, this one can be tough to recognize.

Ignorance of self and unjust systems belong to antiquity.

So why are they still with us, in this, the greatest and most-knowledgeable democracy the world has ever known?

Are we in denial, failing to recognize our serious short-comings, or what?

Can we not as individuals and societies Educate ourselves and especially our children to these dangers?